Sale 1260 — 2022 Rarities of the World
Sale Date — Tuesday, 28 June, 2022
Category — Civil War and Confederate States: Stampless thru Postmasters' Provisionals
New Orleans La., 2c Red (62X2). Dark Red shade on grayish paper, large margins to well clear of frameline, tied by "New Orleans La. 22 Mar." (1862) circular datestamp on cover to Auburn Ala., few trivial toned specks on cover (not on stamp)EXTREMELY FINE. ONE OF THE FINEST OF THE TWELVE RECORDED COVERS BEARING THE RARE NEW ORLEANS 2-CENT RED PROVISIONAL.
The New Orleans postmaster, J. L. Riddell, prepared provisional stamps in June 1861 and advertised them for sale on June 12. The 2c Red stamps were printed without the marginal inscription "Usable exclusively in the New Orleans Post Office". The 5c and subsequent 2c Blue printings all have the imprint. It is the accepted theory that the 2c Red stamps were printed first, before Riddell added the imprint, and were withheld from use until January 1862 when the supply of 2c Blue stamps was exhausted. The Crown census at the Civil War Philatelic Society website lists twelve 2c Red covers.
Ex Mason, Dr. Simon and "D.K". collection. With 1964 P.F. certificate. Scott value $25,000.00 on cover. E. 15,000-20,000
